The European Union has decided to delay the implementation of retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the United States until early August, in a bid to keep the door open for last-minute trade negotiations with Washington.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the EU received formal communication from the US outlining measures that would take effect unless a deal is reached. The US, under President Donald Trump, plans to impose 30 per cent tariffs on EU imports starting August 1 — a move that has drawn intense criticism across the bloc.
“We will extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August to allow more room for dialogue,” von der Leyen said, emphasising that the EU remains committed to a diplomatic solution.
Despite the extension, von der Leyen warned that the European Commission will not stay passive. “Preparations for proportionate countermeasures are underway and will continue over the coming weeks,” she said.
Initial EU proposals suggest counter-tariffs targeting US exports worth approximately €21 billion (USD 24.5 billion), potentially hitting sectors such as agriculture, industrial machinery, and consumer goods.
The latest developments follow President Trump’s announcement on Saturday that the US would proceed with the new 30 per cent tariffs on European goods, citing imbalanced trade relations. The move comes amid ongoing but stalled negotiations between the two economic powers.
EU trade ministers are expected to convene in Brussels on Monday to evaluate von der Leyen’s decision and consider the bloc’s next steps. It remains to be seen whether all member states will endorse the continued suspension of countermeasures beyond the initial timeline.
The escalating tension threatens to reignite a broader transatlantic trade conflict, with global markets watching closely.
–Input WAM
